‘Tis the season for two wheels.

Well it’s spring time and we all know what that means. The birds are singing, woodland creatures have come out from their winter slumber, and the “hogs” are coming back out to claim the open road. By “hogs” I mean the motorcycle. With the temperatures getting back to “so this is what warm feels like” again, more and more motorcycles will be on the road. If you are one of these riders (whether you are a new rider or have been riding 20 plus years) it is important to remember the rules of safety that will keep you safe and enjoying the open road for a long time to come.

Rule #1: Always wear a helmet!

Statistics have shown that a riders’ survival rate increases dramatically when in an accident while wearing a DOT approved helmet vs no helmet. It may not look as cool, or may not allow the wind to give you that just off the motorcycle look, but they do save lives. No one anticipates getting into an accident. You never know when or where it will happen. That’s why you should always wear one with no exception.

Rule #2: Always drive defensively.

Anyone who has ridden a bike knows how easy it is for a car to pull over into your lane without realizing you are there. As small as motorcycles are, they fit nicely into blind spots. For this reason, make sure you know where you are in relation to the cars around you. As a rule of thumb, if it is possible, I always ride in front of or behind cars that are next to me. This negates the blind spot and gives me more time to react to whatever the vehicle next to me might do. No matter where you are riding, always look for an “escape route” should you need to take evasive action while riding. This could be for a number of different reasons such as a car pulling into your lane, someone running the intersection, or debris in the road.

Rule #3: Maintain your motorcycle.

If you are not maintaining your ride properly, you are just asking for trouble. Trying to stretch one more summer on bald tires, not fixing an oil leak, or even waiting to tune up the motor could all have major consequences when out on the road. Saving a little money now is not worth laying the bike down because of a tire blow out at highway speeds. If the motor quits because of lack of maintenance you could be stranded on the side of the road ruining not only your ride but your buddies as well. Keeping your motorcycle in top shape will ensure your safety as well as preserve the enjoyment of the ride.

Rule #4: Wear proper clothing.

We have all seen it. Someone buzzing by you on a motorcycle wearing a tank top, shorts, and flip flops. While I’m sure this rider is comfortable, it’s not the safest attire for someone to wear when hitting the road. When riding, long pants are a must. If you have ever had to lay a bike down (and I have) you will know the value of long pants. Not only will they give protection from all the flying “missiles” out there (i.e. rocks, bugs, anything someone decides to throw from their car) but if you do lay your bike down, there will definitely be less road rash. Proper footwear is another must. Not wearing shoes or boots with a good nonslip sole could allow your foot to slip in wet or oily conditions. This could lead to an embarrassing and costly situation when pulling up to a stop and your bike suddenly falls over. A riding jacket is also recommended for the same reasons as long pants. Some will say they get too hot or take away the open feeling of riding but they will help protect against those “missiles” we talked about and will protect against road rash should you have to lay the bike down.

Rule #5: Make sure you and your motorcycle are protected.

We have all seen motorcycle accidents. They are usually not too pretty due to the openness of the rider. Making sure that you have the proper medical, life insurance, and auto insurance coverage is imperative. Should something happen, you want to know that you and your family will be in a good position. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have the proper coverages should something happen. You should do this at least once a year or as significant events happen in your life. This will allow you to either raise or lower your coverage to make sure you are getting the best coverage for the best price. No one likes to over pay for insurance.

There are other things you can do to make sure you stay safe while riding a motorcycle. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about riding, just leave a comment.